US opens strong, defeats Germany in first game of World Juniors tournament

EDMONTON, Alberta — The United States looked to get going against Germany in the opening game of the preliminary round at the World Junior Championships, and they did just that with a 5-1 victory Tuesday.

A goal from Luke Hughes at 13:39 into the first period put the red, white and blue up 1-0. Just under five minutes later, Logan Cooley would tack on another one, making it 2-0 heading into the locker room.

It didn't take long for the U.S. to find its groove as a minute and a half in to the second period. Landon Slaggert found the back of the net, and it quickly became 3-0 United States. Thirty-six seconds later, the US. would extend its lead even further as Red Savage lit the lamp. With one minute to go in the middle frame, Riley Duran didn't let the Americans go into intermission without making it 5-0 U.S.

With under 10 minutes to play in regulation, Brett Berard took a two-minute minor for playing without a helmet and Germany capitalized on the man-advantage with a goal from Joshua Samanski.

The U.S. will play again Thursday, Aug. 11 against Switzerland at 9 p.m. CST.